This whole system is so frustrating!! Why can't they just automatically extend benefits when people are clearly still looking for work?? The 26 weeks goes by so fast especially in tough job markets.

I'm in a similar boat - just started my unemployment claim a few months ago and already worried about what happens when I hit that 26-week limit. Has anyone had luck with temporary or gig work while collecting UI? I know you have to report earnings but wondering if it's worth trying to supplement income now rather than waiting until benefits run out completely. Also curious if doing some freelance work might actually help with networking and finding a full-time position.

Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your experience really highlights how broken the communication system is - it's frustrating that you had to go through weeks of waiting just to find out about one missing document. For others still dealing with this, Daniel's story shows that persistence pays off. The fact that the agent was able to call the temp agency directly and get the issue resolved immediately proves that most of these delays are bureaucratic rather than actual processing problems. I'm dealing with a similar situation with my freelance work verification, and this gives me hope that there's actually a real person who can help once you get through. Thanks for sharing the update - it's encouraging to see someone actually get their payments released after all that waiting!

I'm going through almost the exact same thing right now - submitted my documents 4 weeks ago and haven't heard anything back. Also did temp work through multiple agencies last year which seems to be causing complications. Reading through these responses is really helpful, especially Daniel's update about getting it resolved! I had no idea about services like Claimyr or that you could request hardship escalation. I'm definitely going to try calling with that specific phrase about "document review for release of held payments" that Ella mentioned. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't communicate what's actually needed. Like, just tell us what specific document is missing instead of making us wait weeks in limbo! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone in this mess and there are actually ways to get through to someone who can help.

The whole system is so confusing! I filed three weeks ago and still haven't seen a dime. They keep asking for more paperwork and every time I call I get a different answer about what I need to submit. How are people supposed to survive while waiting for this bureaucratic mess to sort itself out??

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. The waiting week is required by law - you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment even if approved. After that, payments typically arrive within 2-3 business days of filing your weekly certification. You can set up direct deposit through your online account which is much faster than waiting for a paper check. Make sure you keep filing every single week even during the waiting period or you could lose benefits. Also document your job search activities since they may audit that later.

I had the same worry when I was approaching my limit last year. If you can't reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific situation, I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was way easier than spending hours on hold trying to get through myself. The agent was able to explain exactly where I stood with my benefits and what options I had.

26 weeks goes by SO fast when you're actually living it. I remember thinking I had plenty of time when I first started collecting and then suddenly I was down to my last few payments. The system is just not designed for how long it actually takes to find good employment these days.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I had no idea unemployment was taxable - definitely going to set up that 10% withholding ASAP. Better to get less each week than get hit with a big tax bill next year. Really appreciate this community having each other's backs with this stuff!

Just want to add - if you're really tight on money and can't afford the 10% withholding right now, at least try to set aside whatever you can each week. Even $20-30 per payment adds up and will help when tax time comes. I made the mistake of not saving anything my first time on unemployment and it was really stressful trying to come up with the money I owed. Also, if your income is low enough you might qualify for free tax prep services through VITA when filing season comes around.